UV-Curable Dendritic Polyester Polyol Acrylate Transfer Belt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intermediate transfer members in xerographic systems face issues with nonuniform resistivity, mechanical strength, and image quality due to the migration of filler particles and ionic additives, leading to charge exchange and image deterioration, especially under varying humidity conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of intermediate transfer members with a UV-curable dendritic polyester polyol acrylate layer and a polyimide substrate, incorporating a photoinitiator and optional conductive components, which provides a self-conductive surface with stable resistivity and mechanical properties, and allows for efficient toner transfer and cleaning without labor-intensive manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filler particles and ionic additives are used to adjust resistivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but nonuniform resistivity and image deterioration occur due to particle migration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes filler particles and ionic additives from the polymer layer, replacing them with a self-conductive dendritic polyester polyol acrylate polymer that inherently provides the desired resistivity (10^8 to 10^13 ohms/sq) without migration issues. This extraction of problematic components resolves the contradiction between achieving conductivity and maintaining uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite polymer system combining dendritic polyester polyol acrylate with specific acrylate monomers and oligomers to create a self-conductive material. This composite approach achieves the desired electrical properties through molecular structure rather than additive migration, simultaneously improving conductivity reliability and resistivity uniformity.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional polymers are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but mechanical strength and image quality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite polymer formulation including dendritic polyester polyol acrylate, acrylate monomers, and oligomers that collectively provide enhanced mechanical strength while maintaining UV-curable processing simplicity. The dendritic structure and crosslinking capabilities of this composite system deliver superior mechanical properties compared to conventional polymers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes UV-curable parameters (photoinitiators and UV irradiation) to transform the polymer from liquid/prepolymer state to cured solid state, achieving both high mechanical strength and manufacturing efficiency. This parameter change approach allows simple one-step curing processes while producing mechanically robust transfer members.
3Productivity
If UV-curable polymers are used, then curing speed is improved, but material selection and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent formulates a specific composite polymer system with dendritic polyester polyol acrylate, acrylate monomers, and oligomers that is optimized for UV curing. This pre-developed composite formulation simplifies material selection by providing a proven recipe that delivers both fast curing and high performance, reducing the complexity burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV-curable polymer system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the desired electrical resistivity, ensures uniformity without migration, delivers high mechanical strength, and enables rapid curing. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the advanced chemistry involved.
4Reliability
If filler particles are used to achieve conductivity, then electrical properties are improved, but toner transfer efficiency and cleaning performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes filler particles from the polymer layer while maintaining the desired electrical conductivity through the self-conductive dendritic polyester polyol acrylate polymer. This extraction eliminates the toner transfer and cleaning issues caused by particle migration and charge exchange, while preserving electrical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach to achieving conductivity from additive-based (fillers) to polymer-intrinsic (self-conductive dendritic polyester polyol acrylate). This parameter change in the conductivity mechanism eliminates harmful interactions with toner while maintaining electrical performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves high copy quality with minimal resolution issues, humidity insensitivity, and reduced labor in manufacturing, while maintaining excellent mechanical and electrical properties, and improving toner transfer efficiency and debris cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a UV (ultraviolet light) curable or UV cured second layer comprised of a self conductive dendritic polyester polyol acrylate with for example, a resistivity of from about 108 to about 1013 ohm/sq and from about 108 to about 1010 ohm/sq as measured by a Hiresta resistivity meter, and a photoinitiator
Data Source
AI summary
A UV curable intermediate transfer media, such as a belt, that includes for example, a first supporting substrate, such as a polyimide substrate layer, and a second surface layer of a mixture of a dendritic, crosslinked, or branched polyester polyol acrylate, an acrylate, an optional vinyl monomer, and a photoinitiator component.